The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has called for the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s case, following allegations detailed in a new memoir by abuse survivor Virginia Giuffre. On Wednesday, Representative Robert Garcia urged Pam Bondi, the attorney general of Florida, to provide further files concerning Epstein, who died in 2019 while in federal custody.
Giuffre’s memoir, titled Nobody’s Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice, was published recently and sheds light on her experiences with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. In it, she describes how they groomed and manipulated her, raising serious questions about the extent of their alleged crimes and the involvement of other prominent figures.
Congressional Inquiry Intensifies
The House Oversight Committee has been investigating the government’s handling of Epstein’s prosecution. In his correspondence with Bondi, Garcia emphasized that Giuffre’s allegations are both “heartbreaking and horrific.” He pointed out that her testimony contradicts claims made by federal agencies that the Epstein files did not warrant further scrutiny. “Ms. Giuffre clearly contradicts the agency’s claim that the Epstein files did not justify further investigation,” Garcia stated.
Garcia’s letter also referenced a subpoena approved by the Republican-led panel in August, urging the Justice Department to comply. He remarked that Bondi’s refusal to release the documents raises “serious questions about your motives.” The scrutiny of Epstein’s case intensified after the Justice Department announced in July that Epstein had died by suicide, asserting that no list of his clients would be made public.
These developments contradicted earlier claims made by Bondi and former President Donald Trump, who suggested that Epstein was part of a larger conspiracy. In response, the House Oversight Committee initiated a formal inquiry into the government’s approach to the case. This inquiry included efforts by the Trump administration to release grand jury transcripts that indicted Epstein.
Legislative Action and Public Response
As public outcry continues, a bipartisan group of lawmakers has come together. Three House Republicans have joined Democrats in a petition to force a vote on legislation aimed at releasing files related to Epstein’s case. The outcome of this effort is expected to be determined once the ongoing government shutdown concludes.
Giuffre, who tragically died by suicide in April 2023 at the age of 41, has gained significant media attention since the publication of her memoir. Following the release of excerpts, Prince Andrew relinquished his honors and the use of his Duke of York title. He has denied allegations that he sexually assaulted Giuffre when she was 17, although he settled a related civil case for a reported £12 million (approximately $16 million).
The House Oversight Committee’s investigation has uncovered numerous documents, including a controversial drawing reportedly made by Trump for Epstein’s 50th birthday. So far, tens of thousands of pages of files have been released, many of which had already been made public.
As the inquiry progresses, the demand for transparency regarding Epstein’s case remains a pressing issue, highlighting the need for accountability in the handling of such serious allegations.
